Teens arrested for murder after ‘branch thrown off bridge’ | UK | News
Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder following reports that a branch was thrown from the Millennium Bridge in Cheltenham.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed officers were dispatched to reports of an incident involving three men at around 7.30pm on Wednesday. Two men are alleged to have thrown a large branch from the Millennium Bridge at a cyclist traveling on the road below, but the cyclist is not thought to have suffered any injuries. reports The Mirror.
Police said the men then left the bridge and encountered a man in his 70s on Honeybourne Road. One of the men allegedly hit the man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. The man later died from his injuries.
Two boys, aged 17 and 16, were initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. According to police, the duo was rearrested on suspicion of murder following the victim’s death.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “Two young men have been arrested after police released CCTV footage in connection with a serious assault in Cheltenham on Wednesday night, April 8.”
“Since their capture, the victim has lost his life and the suspects have been arrested again on suspicion of murder. In line with the information provided by the public, a 17-year-old boy was arrested last night (Thursday) and a 16-year-old boy was arrested in the early hours of this morning (Friday).
“Both boys were arrested in Cheltenham and remain in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. At around 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 8, police were called to reports of an incident involving three men.
“Two men were reportedly on the Millennium Bridge and threw a large branch at a cyclist traveling on the road below. The cyclist is not thought to have been injured.
“The men then left the bridge and were approached by the victim, a man in his 70s, from Honeybourne Way. They reportedly had an argument before one of the men punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.
“The suspects then fled before officers arrived at the scene. Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Infirmary. He was in a critical condition and died in hospital today (Friday, April 10). Relatives and the coroner have been informed.”
Officers released CCTV images of the suspects as part of the ongoing investigation and police expressed their gratitude to members of the public for their assistance in identifying them. The police statement continued as follows: “Following police investigations and CCTV examinations at the scene, the images of the suspects were made public in order to identify them.
“Investigating officers have thanked everyone who has provided information so far. They continue to request further information and witnesses to what happened in order to contact the police. Information can be made to the police online by filling in the form below and quoting incident number 430 of 8 April – Click here.
